The South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA) was approached by a member based in Kimberley, Northern Cape. SARACCA felt that it would benefit others to share contents of this member’s letter as it offers a current, insightful perspective on refrigeration and air conditioning in South Africa from a well-respected industry insider.

The member, with many years of industry experience, is an authorised inspector and designer of refrigeration and air conditioning installations as well as qualified to work with refrigerant gases. They were contacted by an individual who wanted to find out more about who SARACCA and the South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas) are. Our member noted in their letter that this individual is a Department of Employment & Labour inspector. It is certainly beneficial for government inspectors, who are responsible for regulating Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) matters in all industries, to be aware of crucial bodies like SARACCA and SAQCC Gas. These associations are tasked with the registering of refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners and ensuring compliance according to the “Pressure Equipment Regulations” as part of the OHS Act.

SARACCA saw this as an opportunity to bring to light that we need more awareness of this regulatory infrastructure in to the public. It is important for the public to understand and for registered gas practitioners to inform them of how these bodies directly impact them.

Registered practitioners are obligated to issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) on completion of installation or maintenance in the prescribed format on the SAQCC Gas App. CoC’s are there to protect everyone. They ensure that all refrigeration and air conditioning maintenance/installation associated with refrigerant gas is done competently and safely, protecting practitioners and those using these products containing high pressure and sometimes even dangerous gases. In the event of a product causing damage to property, insurance companies require CoC’s to pay out claims.  In the last year, there have unfortunately been accidents and even a death of a technician. This was all because safety regulations and procedures were ignored, and the gas practitioner was unauthorised. Awareness can drastically limit loss of lives and property damage.

The public can ensure their own safety by always requesting a gas practitioner’s unique number registration card, category of registration as well as the practitioner’s photo. All these details are recorded on the SAQCC Gas website which can be verified by a simple search. Registered gas practitioners can boost public awareness by informing their clients to follow this approach with any gas-related service or product.